Veterans

This House Concurrent Resolution urges the Governor to protect Hawaii's public land trust and Native Hawaiian rights, particularly in response to potential federal condemnation proceedings against state lands. The bill states that if the federal government initiates condemnation actions, the Legislature is prepared to repeal various statutory benefits and exemptions currently provided to military personnel and their dependents. These provisions include tax breaks, residency exemptions, retirement benefits, and other privileges that the resolution argues are inconsistent with the state's constitutional obligations. The document serves as a formal statement of legislative intent rather than a law that immediately changes policy.

Repeals the tenant selection preferences for disabled veterans and the spouses of deceased veterans in the State Low-Income Housing Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Repeals the general excise tax exemption for amounts received by independent sugar cane farmers. Repeals the general excise tax exemption for amounts received by a contractor of the Patient-Centered Community Care Program that is established by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to title 38 United States Code section 8153. Effective 1/1/2026. (SD1)

Repeals portions of the Hawaii Revised Statutes that confer special benefits, protections, privileges, or entitlements to members of the United States armed forces in the State in the event that the United States government or any agency or entity of the United States government commences condemnation proceedings of any land or interest in land owned or held by the State.

SB 1415 repeals existing tenant selection preferences for disabled veterans and spouses of deceased veterans within the State Low-Income Housing Program. This change directly affects veterans and their spouses who previously received priority in housing applications under this program. The bill removes these specific preferences from the program's selection criteria, meaning all applicants will now be evaluated under the same standard process. The legislation does not create new housing benefits or alter other program requirements. This change is part of the program's administrative rules, not a new funding or eligibility provision.

Exempts disabled veterans from the State's vehicle weight tax and repeals the exemption for disabled veterans from the State's annual vehicle registration fee. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)